The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

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  • [VIDEO] Rivers Civil Servants Celebrate As Supreme Court Affirms Fubara As Governor

    [VIDEO] Rivers Civil Servants Celebrate As Supreme Court Affirms Fubara As Governor

    Rivers Civil Servants Celebrate As Supreme Court Affirms Fubara As Governor

    The Supreme Court has affirmed the election of Siminalayi Fubara as Governor of Rivers State.

    In the Rivers matter, Partick Tonye Cole, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC challenged the election of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on grounds that he wasn’t qualified to run for governor as he was still in the employ of the Rivers State government as Accountant General as at the time of the election.

    Fubara of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the governorship election after he scored 302,614 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Cole, who polled 95,274 votes.

    Both the Tribunal and Appeal Court had in concurrent judgments dismissed Mr Cole’s case for lacking merit, for failing to provide credible evidence to prove his case of non-qualification, corrupt practices and non-compliance, thus affirming Fubara’s electoral victory.

    The Supreme Court, also in its judgment Thursday also upheld the decision of the Appellate Court on grounds that the APC governorship candidate failed to prove his allegations of over-voting and non-compliance levelled against the Rivers State governor.

    The five-member Apex Court panel headed by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, in effect, dismissed the appeal of Patrick Tonye-Cole for lacking in merit.

    Rivers Civil Servants Celebrate Victory

    In a video shared by an X user, @Tonye Barcanista, civil servants celebrated the Supreme Court victory of Governor Fubara.

    Chanting “Sim o Sim o, our Governor” at the State Secretariat, the civil servants couldn’t hide their joy.

    https://twitter.com/TonyeBarcanista/status/1750450992930312223?t=nRG-iZOJmn_KkL1sVGZKiw&s=19

    Pacesetter/Arise News

  • FG, States, LGAs share N1.12tr as revenue allocation for December 2023

    FG, States, LGAs share N1.12tr as revenue allocation for December 2023

    The three tiers of government shared N1.127 trillion as revenue allocation for December 2023.

    The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disclosed this in communiqué issued at its January meeting chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to the communiqué, the N1.127 trillion total distributable revenue comprised statutory revenue of N363.188 billion, Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N458.622 billion, and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N17.855 billion.

    It also comprised Exchange Difference revenue of N287.743 billion.

    The communiqué read: “Total revenue of N1,674 billion was available in December 2023. The total deduction for the cost of collection was N62.254 billion, total transfers, interventions, and refunds were N484.568 billion.

    “Gross statutory revenue of N875.382 billion was received. This was lower than the N882.56 billion received in November 2023 by N 7.178 billion.

    “The gross revenue available from VAT was N492.506 billion. This was higher than the N360.455 billion available in November 2023 by N132.051 billion.

    “From the N1.127 trillion total distributable revenue, the federal government received N383.872 billion, the state governments collected N396.693 billion and the local government councils got N288.928 billion.

    “A total sum of N57.915 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    “From the N363.188 billion distributable statutory revenue, the federal government received N173.729 billion, the state governments collected N88.118 billion and the LGCs got N67.935 billion.

    “The sum of N33.406 billion (13 percent of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting states as derivation revenue.

    “The federal government received N68.793 billion, the state governments received N229.311 billion and the LGCs received N160.518 billion from the N458.622 billion distributable VAT revenue.

    “From the N17.855 billion EMTL, the federal government received N2.678 billion, the state governments received N8.928 billion and the LGCs received N6.249 billion.”

    The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was $473.754 million.

    Ripples

  • Enugu Police Strengthens Operational, Investigative Actions to Rid Named Area in Viral Audio of Criminal Elements

    Enugu Police Strengthens Operational, Investigative Actions to Rid Named Area in Viral Audio of Criminal Elements

    …as CP Kanayo urges the alleged victim of viral audio on acts of crime in the area to report for proper debriefing

    …cautions against hastening to share and spread security information without recourse to the police

    The Enugu State Police Command has intercepted a viral audio recording by a young man alleging the commission of heinous crimes at the Holy Ghost and Railway axis of Enugu metropolis. Although the Command is yet to identify and properly debrief the alleged victim, it has, however, strengthened operational and investigative activities in said area, to rid it of any forms of crime and criminality.

    2. To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), has urged the alleged victim to make himself available for the Police debriefing, which he says is necessary to authenticate the allegation and to make ongoing policing actions in the area more purposeful and productive.

    3. The CP, however, advised citizens against hastening to share and spread such security situations in the media, without first reporting and allowing the Police to diligently act on such information. He notes that such hampers and makes effective policing and crime management difficult and unproductive.

    3. Consequently, the Commissioner has enjoined the citizenry to remain supportive and promptly report suspected or experienced acts of crime to the nearest Police Station or call the Command’s hotlines, 08032003702, 08086671202, 08075390883, or 08098880172. Or alternatively, send emails to infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

    DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr
    Police Public Relations Officer,
    Enugu State Command,
    State Headquarters,
    GRA, Enugu.

  • Jubilant Enugu workers pledge to reciprocate Gov Mbah’s better welfare package with productivity

    Jubilant Enugu workers pledge to reciprocate Gov Mbah’s better welfare package with productivity

    Following the recent salary increment of staff of Enugu State Civil Service and other workers across the state ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, workers have assured the governor of dedication to duties through improved productivity in order to actualize the goals of the administration.

    The jubilant workers who spoke through their leaders, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Ben Asogwa, yesterday, gave the assurance in their separate speeches at the 2024 Resumption of Year Prayer held at the State Secretariat, Enugu.

    The NLC State Chairman, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, applauded Enugu State workers for their attitudinal change to work since the inception of the present administration, stressing that the governor has restored hope of the workers through improved welfare package, better working environment and implemented wage award.

    According to him, “Workers in Enugu State are glad and happy with the governor and his administration. His Excellency has promised that as soon as he is dropping the ₦25,000 wage award, he is picking the new minimum wage”.

    The NLC chairman, however, disclosed that labour leaders were working hard to bring parastatals into the mainstream of the civil service so that the issue of disparity within the service would be solved.

    He extolled the governor over the ongoing revolution in infrastructures such as road construction and reconstruction, construction of smart school system, overhauling of the health sector, environmental sanitation and cleanliness, availability of water supply, among other development and social service projects.

    On his part, the TUC chairman appreciated the State Government for the cordial relationship that exists between the Government and the workers, adding that the governor would continue to enjoy the support and cooperation of workers in the state because of the initiatives of his administration which are impacting positively on workers’ welfare.

    “Your Excellency, the workers are ready. We are out to support this government. The workers are diligently ready and committed to help drive the policies of your administration. We are going to be more productive, as productivity is the main part of the framework that would enhance our collective success,” he stressed.

    He further assured the state government of workers’ commitment to improve service delivery through measurable outputs, saying he was optimistic that workers would do their best for the progress and development of the state.

    Speaking, the governor stressed that God has been merciful to the state and its people, saying that the grace of God is sufficient for the people and prayed for good health, wisdom, peace and strength over the government and the people living in the state to discharge their responsibilities.

    “Every day we come here to work, we must pray. We pray for protection, pray for promotion, pray for growth of Enugu State,” he said.

    Governor Mbah, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, said the administration had taken measures to improve the productivity of workers in the state even as he promised to continue to do more.

    While commending the relationship between the labour unions and the state government, he said, “We’ve been partnering Labour leaders so that you will become part of the optimization. We have been engaging Labour leaders and were able to achieve what we had been able to achieve”.

    He called for increased collaboration among workers, urging them to work hard to achieve the transformational agenda of the administration.

    He said the administration was mindful of the inflation and increasing cost of living in the country and would continue to improve workers’ standard of living.

    “I want you to understand that His Excellency is not averse to helping the workers improve their welfare. We are in Nigeria, and we understand the cost of living. We understand the inflation. When we hear potholes in revenue, we want to increase the revenue in Enugu State so that the workers in Enugu will be one of the best paid public servants in Nigeria,” he added.

    While stating that security has improved significantly in the state which makes it the safest state for investment and business in the region, he recalled that on assumption of office, he promised to provide the people with sufficient potable water in 180days and it was achieved, explaining that over 60 thousand cubic meters of water are generated daily even as old and burst pipes are undergoing replacement to capture more areas.

    He urged the workers to work towards achieving the target of the 2024 budget, tagged ‘Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth’, saying that the actualization of the budget would improve their wage packages, transform the state and make it an investment hub.

  • Plateau: Mutfwang declares state of emergency in LG

    Plateau: Mutfwang declares state of emergency in LG

    Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau has declared a 24-hour curfew on Mangu Local Government Area with immediate effect.

    A statement by Mr Gyang Bere, Director of Press and Public Affairs, quoted the governor as saying that the action became necessary “in view of the deterioration of the security situation within the area”.

    “We arrived at this decision after consultations with the relevant security agencies; only persons on essential duties are allowed to move within the local government area until further notice.

    “I urge all citizens, especially residents of Mangu Local Government Area, to comply with the directive and assist the security personnel by providing reliable information to aid the bid to restore peace and order.

    “It may appear as though some people are determined to create an atmosphere of insecurity in the state, despite the government’s efforts to end the activities of terrorist elements.

    “I want to express my sympathy to the families of affected victims and the injured, and assure them that government will do everything possible to ensure that lasting peace returns to Plateau.

    “The curfew will be reviewed as soon as the security situation improves,” Mutfwang was quoted as saying.

    Vanguard

  • Akeredolu’s family fixes date for burial of former Ondo governor

    The family of former Governor of Ondo State, the late Rotimi Akeredolu, has slated 23 February for the burial of his remains.

    This was contained in a burial arrangement released by the deceased eldest son, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday.

    Mr Akeredolu died on 27 December 2023 at a German Hospital following a protracted illness.

    The arrangement specified that the burial rites would begin from 15 February to 26 February in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Akure, the capital of Ondo State, and Owo, his hometown in Ondo State.

    “The lying in state would be held on Wednesday 21 February at the State Sports Complex in Akure and the funeral service would be held on 23 February at St Andrews Church, Owo to be followed by interment later in Owo.

    “The entire Akeredolu family wishes to extend our deepest appreciation to all those who extended their condolence and support to us during this trying time.

    “Your love and kindness serve as powerful catalysts, strengthening our unshakeable faith in God Almighty and reaffirming our commitment to serving humanity.

    “As we prepare to celebrate the life of a man who embodied numerous admirable qualities and left an indelible mark, we humbly request your prayers, support, and encouragement.”

    (NAN)

  • Insecurity in FCT: Wike says unpainted taxis, buses to be banned, reveals Tinubu has approved procurement of Kidnapper-Tracking equipment

    Insecurity in FCT: Wike says unpainted taxis, buses to be banned, reveals Tinubu has approved procurement of Kidnapper-Tracking equipment

    The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had given an approval for emergency procurement of digital tracking devices to track the operations of kidnappers in the nation’s capital.

    He stated this on Monday at an interface with the media without going into the details.

    However, lamenting dearth of equipment in the past, Wike said the tide would now turn against kidnappers with the emergency procurement approval by the president.

    The minister said cues from some informants led to the arrest of some kidnappers, who were paraded by the police over the weekend.

    He also said the informants recently arrested by security agencies in the territory were cooperating and providing actionable intelligence to the authorities, who had succeeded in using the intelligence to foil more attacks.

    “So many facilities were not provided. Vehicles for the security agencies were not there. You cannot believe it that equipment to track criminals were not there.

    “When anything happens, they go back to the Office of the National Security Adviser or to the Force Headquarters. That is not the way it is supposed to be.

    “When I was the governor of Rivers State, the DSS told me they wanted a particular equipment. We were the only state that had it then. In fact, sometimes the headquarters asked for its use.

    “That is a special equipment they needed and that equipment, we know how expensive it is but we had it and that was able to help us reduce the level of crime. It was able to track the specific phones not one that would say for example the criminals are around the city here.

    “With that equipment, it was specific. It can track a particular phone to the exact spot or room. So, what we have done with the approval of Mr President, giving us approval for emergency procurement, we have been able to identify what each of the agencies need and we will be able now to provide them,” Wike said.

    He asserted that when he was appointed minister, the police had complained that their request for certain number of motorcycles to enable them access remote and mountainous communities, was not honoured.

    He assured the people that they would now procure the logistics, saying security was not about the equipment but about having to motivate the personnel.

    “I don’t want to talk about the strategies because we are talking security now.

    “Assuming Mr President did not approve this emergency procurement, we had been to the Bureau for Public Procurement since December to allow us to procure under emergency.

    “If you don’t and you have to go the whole hog of the processes, it can take you two months and that is not what you tell members of the public, that procurement process is a problem. No.

    “The basic thing is having identified all these and the security agencies have told us this is what they require, we had to do the needful. We have even gone further to ask the State Director of DSS about what they would need to tackle this menace.

    “What kind of equipment do you want? Not that if anything happens, you have to run to your headquarters to seek assistance. Before you get to your headquarters, something else would have happened.

    “But if you have this equipment, you don’t need to seek approval of your headquarters to begin to seek equipment to track the criminals,” Wike stated.

    He stressed that the FCTA would seek to establish a Joint Task Force with a full command and control structure as well as relevant equipment to be able to respond in event of security emergencies as that would make up for its inability to set up up its own security agency like other sub national entities.

    “The next thing is to set up a joint security outfit here where they have their own structure and equipment so that if anything happens, the task force will know it is their function to move in.

    “Yes it will cost us some funds and it will take us some time but what is important is that we have identified that this is a lacuna that we have to cover,” he said.

    He urged FCT residents not to panic as everything would be done to ensure the protection of lives and property.

    Wike said the efforts of security agencies had led to the arrest of some informants, who disclosed some of the plans they were hatching.

    ‘One chance’: Wike to ban unpainted taxis, buses in FCT

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will soon ban unpainted taxis and buses from plying roads in the nation’s capital.

    Wike, who disclosed this during a media chat in Abuja, explained that the move was to address the incidence of ‘one chance’ in the city.

    The minister, who said the menace of one chance had been curtailed, added that stricter measures were necessary to end the trend in the FCT.

    “We are not going to allow vehicles that are not painted with FCT colour and registered by the FCTA to ply commercial in the territory.

    “That way, you know the driver is certified by the FCT and the buses and the taxes were also approved by the FCT.

    “When this is done, you as the passenger will not take the risk of going to enter any vehicle that you don’t even know,” he said.

    Wike added that Uber operators would also need to register to operate in Abuja, so that the government would know their identities.

    He also said that the drivers needed to be certified and profiled by the security agencies.

    “This is a city, if you don’t have rules, there will be problems,” he added.

    The minister expressed concern that the capital territory did not have an official terminal where residents can go and board a bus to a specific destination.

    “That way, you know the drivers and the vehicle that you are entering.

    “But currently, everybody is just on the road. You are going to Nyanya, a car is on the road, you enter; you are going to Wuye, a car is on the road you enter.

    “What we are trying to do in the 2024 fiscal year is to at least build three terminals for a start, so that we will know the buses and taxes that will carry people from such terminals.

    “When this is done nobody will take the risk of going on the road to wave for a taxi. That way, you will be able to reduce crime,” he said.

    Arise News/Daily Trust

  • Japa: Enugu to Partner IOM to Resettle Returnee Irregular Migrants

    Japa: Enugu to Partner IOM to Resettle Returnee Irregular Migrants

    …as IOM Says 350 Enugu indigenes return from Libya, Niger, others

    Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed the readiness of the government to partner with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, to ensure the safe return, resettlement, and reintegration of irregular and stranded migrants from the state.

    Mbah said the government would also help the IOM secure a zonal office in Enugu so that such returnees could come home directly and be rehabilitated in Enugu rather than be taken to other states, adding that the radical social programmes introduced by the government would be handy in equipping such returnees with skills to make a decent living.

    This also came on a day the IOM revealed that it had helped 350 stranded and irregular immigrants of Enugu State extraction, mostly from Libya and Niger Republic, to return home safely.

    Mbah spoke on Monday when he received at the Government House, Enugu, a delegation of the IOM in Nigeria led by the Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck. He commended the IOM for its role in mitigating the challenges faced by irregular migrants, including victims of trafficking and exploitation.

    “As a government, we are quite ready to collaborate with you in the areas of integration of these victims and also those who may just be stranded abroad and interested in coming back home, to be reintegrated into their home state.

    “We have a lot of programmes that we have also designed as a state to cater for the welfare and wellbeing of our people. We have several radical programmes in the social services sector. Whether it is in education and healthcare, the government is involved in indepth programmes that will impact the lives of our people, including such returnees.

    “Meanwhile, it should not be a case that if our people are to be brought back from outside the country, they would be kept in Lagos or elsewhere. I think they should be brought back to Enugu and we should be able to have at least a transit camp where they can stay and undergo counselling and get reintegrated. Therefore, we are also more than happy to work with you to have a zonal office in Enugu, as I was made to understand you are interested in securing one.

    He also expressed the readiness of the administration to partner with IOM to tap into the positive side of migration by harnessing the state’s diaspora material and human resources for the good of both themselves and the state.

    “You know that we have a lot of programmes, which we believe will attract the diasporans. One is our Disapora Bond, which we hope to launch sometime in April this year.

    “We believe that there are quite a lot of values that the disaporans can bring to our economy beyond remittances for consumption. So, if we are able to design an investment that can guarantee or secure their investment and also show some returns, we know that it will be attractive to them. This is why we are investing in the Enugu State Diaspora Investment Summit to raise awareness and tap into the consciousness of our people”, he added.

    Speaking earlier, the IOM Chief of Mission, De Boeck, said the main activity of the IOM in the state was in the area of ensuring the “return and reintegration of young, able people, who left the country.”

    “For years, we have worked with some of our offices abroad and in other countries where we have identified Enugu people, who were stranded or were victims of smugglers and traffickers. And in this regard, we have organised their return and reintegration.

    “We have returned 350 people so far to Enugu. Our offices in Libya and Niger Republic are where we have identified most of them. We have more of them in the plane coming back to Lagos, and we will look at the manifest to know if there is still any person from Enugu State among them, and we will activate their return,” he stated.

    De Boeck commended the Mbah administration for the initiatives to tap into successful Nigerians in diaspora, assuring of the organisation’s readiness to assist in this respect given their rich data base and contacts with Nigerian professionals, businessmen and women, students, among others, across the world.

    As part of a strategy to discourage irregular migration, the IOM Chief said the organisation was working on developing avenues on how to help Nigerians to migrate abroad, regularly, with a proper condition for safe jobs and proper conditions and dignity in their host countries.

  • Benue Police confirm killing of 65-year-old retired nurse, maid

    Benue Police confirm killing of 65-year-old retired nurse, maid

    A 65-year-old widow and retired nurse, Esther Amali, and her maid, Mercy, have both been killed in their apartment in Makurdi, Benue State.

    The incident was said to have happened on Sunday, January 14.

    It was gathered that the assailant stormed their apartment and stabbed 20-year-old Mercy several times.

    Narrating the incident in an interview with Nigeria Television Authority on Monday, the deceased’s sister, Grace Onuhi, explained that her sister (Amali) rushed out from her bedroom, upon hearing Mercy scream.

    Unfortunately, she was also murdered.

    “She (Amali) was inside. She was a very calm person. She doesn’t have problem with anyone. The housegirl was in the kitchen that fateful day by 4 pm and the notorious person jumped through the fence, and stabbed the housegirl. She (Amali) was inside her bedroom. Hearing the shout of the housegirl, she (Amali) came outside and shouted what was happening and the same person stabbed her too to death.

    “The person that stabbed them left a knife. The police came and picked up the knife,” she said.

    It was however learnt that the suspect had earlier threatened to punish Mercy for some unknown reasons.

    Reacting, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, said the case was reported at D Division and investigation was ongoing to unravel the cause of the incident and apprehend the perpetrator.

    “There are different versions of the story. Some claim it’s a robbery and some claim they know the person who killed them. But the police would come up with findings very soon. Let’s be patient and wait for investigators to come out with their findings in this matter,” she said.

    The remains of the deceaseds had been deposited at the mortuary.

    Punch

  • Rivers: Court declares presentation of appropriation bill to 5 Pro-Fubara Lawmakers void

    Rivers: Court declares presentation of appropriation bill to 5 Pro-Fubara Lawmakers void

    Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja, on Monday, warned Governor Siminalayi Fubara not to “exceed his power” as Rivers State governor.

    Omotosho said the court is against any plan to jeopardise democracy, and thereby declared that the governor, by himself or by members of the staff of the Rivers State Public Service are not entitled to take steps aimed at interfering the affairs of the River State House of Assembly, and the Speaker, in the performance of their duties.

    The judge said the governor cannot withhold the due funds of the lawmakers in the state’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    The judge subsequently restrained the National Assembly from accepting any requests from the governor.

    The judge also observed that the governor’s legal team had withdrawn all his processes in the matter, adding that it means that he admitted all the facts stated by the plaintiffs.

    The judge held that based on facts before his court, Martins Amaewhule remained the valid Speaker of the Rivers State House Assembly.

    The judge said the purported sitting of Edison Ehie and four other lawmakers who sat to pass the budget of the state is null and void. The judge nullified the N800 billion budget passed by the Ehie-led group of the Rivers Assembly and signed into law by Fubara.

    Omotosho said the court found it strange that the governor would destroy the Rivers State Assembly building as well as present appropriation bill to five lawmakers.

    He declared the presentation of the bill to the five lawmakers void.

    The judge granted the order setting aside the purported Appropriation Bill signed, despite the interim order of his court, restraining him.

    The judge also granted the order restraining the governor from continuing the demolition or construction of the Rivers Assembly building.

    The court said all the acts of the governor with four lawmakers is a nullity and he should go through the lawmakers presided by Amaewhule.

  • Inferno in Lagos market razes 450 shops, 30 offices, hotels

    Inferno in Lagos market razes 450 shops, 30 offices, hotels

    Inferno in Lagos market razes 450 shops, 30 offices, hotels

    No fewer than 6,700 traders have been displaced following the fire outbreak that consumed a section of the Mandilas building, a popular marketplace on Lagos Island.

    Daily Trust learnt that the fire also destroyed 450 shops, 30 offices, including some law firms, two hotels and five restaurants.

    The fire, which started from the first floor of the popular Mandilas house around 11am on Sunday, later spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market.

    The Iyaloja of Atunwase International Market Mandilas General, Alhaja Adeniji Rashidat, said goods worth billions were destroyed by the fire.

    “Over 6,700 traders have been displaced from their business places following Sunday morning fire outbreak that consumed a section of the building. Also 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels and five restaurants, were destroyed,” she said.

    Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the South West, Ibrahim Farinloye, said the affected houses had been sealed to avoid loss of lives.

    Farinloye confirmed that the fire displaced about 6,700 traders and destroyed 450 shops, 30 offices, two hotels and five restaurants.

    “The fire which started at about 0011 hours began on the first floor where an alleged electric wielding activity was going on. It was alleged that the people around did not notice the fire until it was too late before fire service was contacted.

    “The fire also spread to surrounding market stalls at Atunwase International Market with equal extensive damage as the main complex,” he added.

    Farinloye further said officials of the Lagos State Safety Commission and Building Control Agency were on the ground to assess the integrity of all buildings at the scene.

    According to him, all structures have been locked down to prevent access to the shop for the safety of traders and the public.

    “Other agencies on the ground today (Monday) are Lagos Fire services, Red Cross, Nigeria Police, Neighbourhood watch, Lagos Island Local Government Sanitation, Lagos State Business District are currently making efforts at making the scene safer for people,” he said.

    Daily Trust

  • Enugu safest for living, investment, says Gov. Mbah, as gov’t seals multi-million dollar deal for entertainment, sports city with investors

    Enugu safest for living, investment, says Gov. Mbah, as gov’t seals multi-million dollar deal for entertainment, sports city with investors

    The Enugu State Government has concluded a multi-million dollar agreement with Del-York Group to construct a state-of-the-art entertainment and sports park in the state.

    Governor Peter Mbah, while signing the venture agreement with the investors over the weekend at the Government House, Enugu, said investors have started picking interest in the state in their numbers for businesses because his administration was able to work tirelessly to make Enugu the safest state for living, investment, sports and entertainment.

    The landmark project, named “The 042 Arena and Entertainment Park”, which is a multi-purpose sports and entertainment hub, is a partnership initiative with Del-York International Group designed to focus on key areas of development, training, innovation, education, talent discovery, hospitality, entertainment among other areas of interests.

    Addressing the governor and other key stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer of Del-York, Linus Idahosa, said Enugu State was considered strategic for the launch of the project for various reasons, including its tourist attractions, the efforts of the state government in fostering growth and development of sports and entertainment industries in the south east zone which had already received global recognition.

    “We feel that today is a very special day in the annals of Nigerian history for so many reasons such as the roles that Enugu State government and the South East have played in the development and growth of the creative industry and sports industry across the world. For His Excellency to have taken the initiative to begin a project of this kind that seeks to create an environment that will foster the growth and development of sports and entertainment industries for the Southeastern region is an incredible effort that deserves praise globally.

    “We are happy as a group to be in partnership with the state, and we are happy to be here to sign this joint venture agreement with the state for the sports and entertainment park we are to set up. We are also very thankful for the speed at which members of your cabinet have worked tirelessly round the clock in ensuring that we come to where we are today,” the Del-York CEO stressed.

    He lauded the government for the support it was giving the group, saying the state had shown seriousness in making the state a hub of investment and attractive to investors, adding “I am sure that this marks a totally different trajectory for the development of the industry that we are here for. We believe that building on the strengths of placing the rich heritage of sports and entertainment within the state at the epicentre of its development strategy, the possibilities of the future are
    limitless.”

    On his part, Mr. Frank Pastorino, an EVP Development investor with Del-York Group, said the country, and Enugu State in particular, has extra-ordinary potential and wealth of opportunities specifically in areas of sports and creative industries which the rest of the world should pay special attention.

    Describing the sports and entertainment industries as phenomenal opportunities for youths, Pastorino harped on the importance of investing in the sectors in order to bridge the opportunities that have eluded young people in the space.

    He added, “Critical investment in the area of sports development, sports discovery, training, conditioning; Nigeria, and Enugu, is the epicentre where the future of sports talent and development should lie. The opportunity here in the South-East region is extraordinary, and we are very pleased to be here. As investors, we work across professional sports, from soccer to a myriad of other sports, like tennis, and so forth”.

    An investor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Global Group Holdings, Larisa Miller, insisted that the sports and the entertainment sectors have a broader economic prospect with the right vision, plan and programmes which are what they are bringing to the state.

    Responding, the governor said the deal only showed the triumph of the Enugu investment drive spirit, which his administration had set to achieve from the inception of the government.

    He reiterated the government’s commitment to make the state the premier destination for investment by de-risking investment flow, assisting investors with the right environment through deliberate efforts in investing in infrastructure and security.

    “As you already know, we are on a mission to make Enugu state the premier destination for investment, and the area of interests for us is quite diverse. We understand the associated benefits that could flow from developing sports and entertainment sectors.

    “We also know that Enugu has always played very critical roles in those areas; in entertainment, we are proud to always say that this is where it all started. We are the harbinger of that whole industry. It all started here and it wasn’t by accident. I think our topography, our environment, and our people naturally lend themselves to making Enugu State as that destination for preferred entertainment,” he added.

    Governor Mbah, who further assured investors of support and other intervention from the state government, called on all stakeholders and other investors to see the state as the right place to set up their businesses as the administration had already identified and solved challenges usually faced by investors.

    The Sports Arena will have the following facilities on completion; training facilities, athlete housing, a physical therapy and sports medicine centre, a performance centre among others while the Entertainment Park will house facilities such as screening rooms, stages, amphitheaters; live, work and play facilities, among other numerous designs.

    The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs for the people of Enugu State and attract investors and a surge of tourists to the state. It will additionally provide a platform for the youth to showcase their talents, promoting sports and youth development in the state and the entire
    South-East region.